How This Amino Acid Can Help You to Detox

How This Amino Acid Can Help You to Detox

by | Jan 9, 2020 | Blog

     Your body is designed to detox naturally;  however, it can’t withstand the siege of toxins and pollutants in the modern world…not without your help that is.  One way you can protect your body’s natural detoxification mechanisms is by eating foods rich in protein, like yogurt, cottage cheese, and poultry, that are also high in cysteine, an essential amino acid.  Your body converts cysteine into N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a sulfur-containing amino acid that helps maximize glutathione production.

     What’s so important about glutathione?  Glutathione has been anointed the master antioxidant because it can regenerate itself.  It seeks out and destroys free radicals before they can damage cellular health…and even when saturated by free radicals, glutathione can rejuvenate into a healthy, pure antioxidant.  Toxin overload is an epidemic these days, and experts recommend supplementing with NAC to help boost glutathione levels, enhance cognitive function, and remove contaminants in the body.

A Detox Aid

In supplement form, NAC is a potent chelating agent for detoxifying the liver and breaking down mucous.  Those who’ve been exposed to long-term use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs and are at risk for liver toxicity may benefit from NAC supplementation.

     NAC binds to heavy metals in the body, like lead from paint and cigarette smoke, and mercury from dental amalgam fillings that have been linked to degenerative illnesses such as multiple sclerosis.  Animal and cell culture studies showed that NAC encouraged renal excretion of lead, reduced mercury levels, and defended against liver cell damage caused by high concentrations of cadmium.

     For one such study, researchers exposed two groups of rats to aluminum, but one group was given NAC beforehand.  Those fed NAC before being exposed to aluminum showed less brain dysfunction, which suggests that NAC may help protect against the buildup of aluminum in the brain—long suspected to be a root cause of Alzheimer’s disease.

     Studies also indicate that NAC has the potential to remove environmental pollutants such as tobacco and alcohol from the bloodstream.

A Cold Buster

Studies have shown that NAC has the ability to suppress influenza A viruses by helping to prevent the replication of the virus within the body.  NAC also acts as a decongestant by breaking down mucus.

     Other studies have shown that NAC boosts the production of T-cells, essential for immunity.  AIDs patients are deficient in glutathione and NAC, but studies have shown that NAC inhibits the replication of HIV in vitro and promotes the ability of immune cells to fight off pathogens.  A Stanford University double-blind study made up of 45 patients showed that 3200 mg-8000 mg of NAC taken daily for 6 weeks amped up production of CD4+ immune cells in healthy individuals and prevented a decrease of CD4+ cells in AIDs patients.

A Cancer Fighter

     NAC is also showing promise as a potential anti-cancer agent.  Studies indicate that NAC can block a tumor from affecting surrounding tissue.  One study even showed that cancerous cells doused in NAC had 80% fewer metastases.

     Preliminary research shows that NAC may help defend against colon cancer.  In one study, 62 people had a polyp removed from the colon.  (Abnormal polyp growth in the colon is a marker of colon cancer.)  A biopsy of the rectum showed that those who supplemented with 800 mg of NAC a day for 12 weeks had more normal cells in the biopsied tissue.

     Suggested doses of NAC for adults vary by health condition.  Use only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider due to the potential for side effects and interactions with medications.
Revive Brain Cells with Taurine

Revive Brain Cells with Taurine

by | Jan 5, 2020 | Blog

There’s a new school of thought among neurologists: brain shrinkage isn’t an inevitable part of aging, and brain cells can actually rejuvenate if fed supportive nutrients. One such nutrient is taurine, an amino acid that’s been shown to stimulate brain cell growth and improve brain function in the aging brain. Recent research indicates that taurine activates “hibernating” stem cells. These stem cells then mature into fully functioning brain cells that help support cognitive function in your golden years.

The 411 on Taurine

Recent studies show that the unique antioxidant properties of taurine help encourage new brain cell formation. Unfortunately, taurine levels in the body and brain taper off as we age . . . just when we need them most!

An animal-based study published in Stem Cell Research showed that when middle-aged mice were given taurine, sleeping stem cells in the brain came out of hibernation and matured into different types of brain cells in the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory.

Another study published in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology demonstrated that when human neural precursor cells (neurons in the very early stages of development) were cultured with taurine, they generated significantly more brain cells.brain_activity

Other studies have shown that taurine increases the survival of new neurons in the brain. Neurites are like little branches that extend off brain cells to help them communicate with each other. They help support memory, cognition, emotions, and thinking. But over time, neurites succumb to stresses and toxins, leading to a decline in cognitive function as we age. Taurine may provide a solution. An in vitro study suggests that taurine can restore normal neurite growth in nerve cells that have been damaged by toxic elements.

How Taurine May Help with Parkinson’s and Depression

Scientists have determined that taurine levels are conspicuously low in patients with Parkinson’s disease. These low levels are also exacerbated by the commonly prescribed drug levodopa, which may contribute to a further decline in taurine. Some experts believe that taurine supplementation may help stabilize levels and improve cognitive loss experienced by Parkinson’s patients.

Taurine also shows promise as a possible treatment for depression, particularly in diabetic patients. Chronic blood sugar fluctuations may contribute to depression in those with diabetes. When diabetic rats were treated with taurine they exhibited improvement in depressive-like behaviors. Taurine also improved diabetes-damaged neurotransmitter function, which helped enhance short-term memory.

Feeding Your Brain Taurine

Meat and fish are rich in taurine, as are certain energy drinks, although the caffeine and sugar in energy drinks may nullify the positive effects of taurine. According to the Mayo Clinic, taurine supplementation is generally considered safe in doses between 500 mg and 3000 mg. Little is known of the long-term effects. Consult with your healthcare practitioner before adding a supplement to your nutritional program.